RIYADH – More than $80 billion worth of contracts will be awarded in Saudi Arabia in 2013, a 36 percent increase from the total value of projects awarded in 2011 - making the Kingdom the number one opportunity in the Middle East region for contractors, consultants and vendors, MEED said. Against this backdrop, the Saudi Mega Infrastructure Projects Summit will be held Sept. 16-18 at the Riyadh Marriot Hotel. The summit will coincide with the World Green Building Week on Sept. 17-21, which aims to shine a spotlight on the key role of buildings in conserving resources, saving money and creating jobs while providing healthier places to live and work. The aims of the WGBW and its importance to Saudi Arabia's project portfolio will be highlighted at the Summit by Faisal Alfadl, president of fa Partners, and founder of the Saudi Green Building Council. "With a massive projects industry still opening up opportunities, the Saudi Mega Infrastructure Projects Summit is a key introduction for those looking to enter the Saudi market for the first time, as well as an excellent platform for those eager to strengthen their profile in the kingdom," said Edmund O' Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events. Summit attendees will be able to hear from project clients and leading contractors present and discuss the ongoing and planned projects in the transport, real estate, and power & water sectors in Saudi Arabia. Among the more prominent speakers include Amer Al-Swaha, Head of IPP Program at the Saudi Electricity Company, currently the 2nd largest projects client in the Kingdom with approximately $40 billion of work planned or underway, in addition to the National Water Company and the Ministry of Health. – SG
